Snow, Sleet and School Decisions: Here’s How It Works

As we head into the winter season, we want to reinforce how PGCPS makes decisions about weather-related delays, early dismissals and closures, and how you can stay informed.

Safety guides every decision. Our team monitors forecasts and road conditions closely throughout the night and early morning hours. When a delay, early dismissal or closure is needed, we work to provide notice as early as possible. In rare cases when conditions develop late, timelines may be compressed.

Once a decision is made, we work to issue alerts as quickly as possible to staff and families across all official PGCPS channels, including our website (pgcps.org), the phone bulletin board, email, text message, robocalls and our social media channels. Alerts are also shared with local news media.

Please note that all PGCPS communication platforms are created equal and serve as official updates. Some technology may populate faster than others, so you may see a social media post before an email or text. Each is part of our commitment to keeping you informed.

Please take a moment to confirm that your contact information is current in ParentVue and that you are signed up to receive emergency phone and text alerts.Timely communication depends on accurate information.

This school year, virtual learning will not be used during weather events. Maryland requires at least four hours of live instruction for virtual makeup days, which is not feasible for our district. Many staff members have children at home during closures, and power outages can disrupt internet access. We also no longer have widespread hotspots and K-8 students generally do not travel back and forth from school with a Chromebook. These factors make a full day of synchronous instruction difficult to deliver during severe weather.

View Frequently Asked Questions about emergency notifications, school closings and delays here

Thank you for your partnership in helping us keep students and staff safe throughout the winter months!